Coast Guard rescues two stranded kayakers near Galveston

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March 12, 2013 6:12:31 PM PDT

GALVESTON, TX --

The Coast Guard rescued two young kayakers after they became stranded near Galveston Island.

Around 11:20am, the kayakers called watchstanders at Sector Houston-Galveston with a cell phone to ask for help. They had managed to tie their kayaks to an oil rig about seven miles south of Galveston. Watchstanders dispatched a Station Galveston 45-foot Response Boat-Medium and a crew rescued them about 45 minutes later.

The kayakers were taken to Station Galveston and were released to their awaiting mother.

"These young men were lucky enough to have a cell phone with them and after they contacted us, we were able to get their GPS location and send our boat crew out to rescue them," said Elvie Damaso, a watchstander at Sector Houston-Galveston. "The Coast Guard would like remind mariners to always have the proper equipment with them before going out in open water. That gear could help save your life." ___________________________________________________________